 |
DyeStat South Dakota
Cross Country
State Meet Preview
Class AA
Girls Team Race
The Class AA Girls team race will come down to Watertown and Rapid City Stevens. Stevens will be defending their state championship, but Watertown beat Steves at the Mitchell Inv. in the only head to head match-up. Watertown looks better on paper, but I think Stevens' expierience will be a factor.
Individual
The individual title is Watertown's Jessica Fox's to lose. Fox, who struggled earlier this year, is one of the most decorated cross-country runners in South Dakota history. Should Fox fall however there will be plenty of runners to step up. Steph Richardson of Stevens, Kaylee Keating of Roosevelt, and Jamie Hahn of Spearfish will all be ready if Fox doesn't have a good day.
Boys Team Race
With very little competition in the boys team race, Rapid City Stevens should easily defend their state championship. Led by Erik Grumstrup and Erik Long, Stevens could put five runners in the top 15. Yankton might put up a fight, but Stevens' depth should overpower them.
Individual
Stevens' Erik Grumstrup has dominated the AA field all year. After an early season loss to Pierre's Brad Lowery, Grumstrup hasn't lost since. Including a 30 second victory over Lowery later in the season. There are a lot of good individuals in the field, but no one should be able to challenge Grumstrup for the title.
Class A
Girls Team
The Class A girls team race is very wide open. After #1 ranked was upset at regions it seems no team is the real favorite. Defending champions Garretson seem poised to repeat, but the lack of a quality fourth runner could hurt the Blue Dragons. The team who upset Vermillion, Lennox, will be a factor if they repeat their region performance. McCook Central and Madison also figure into the equation. McCook Central knocked off Garretson at the region and Madison has been ranked high all year. This team title is almost impossible to pick, so don't be surprised if it comes down to a pusher.
Individual
Mary Bennett of Scotland, Shannon Daly of Groton, and Karlie Jackl of Custer are probably the favorites going in. Bennett is the senior and is looking to prove a point after a miserable showing at state last year. Daly has moved up to Class A after running for Class B Frederick-Hecla last year. Daly has come on strong with an impressive 30+ second victory over last year's state runner-up Drew Neuharth of Britton. Jackl has been consistent all year and continues to run well. Jackl may be a little bit of an underdog, but don't be surprised if she sneaks up and wins. Other girls that can't be left off the list are: Kari Schaefer-Madison, Sara Nelson-Dell Rapids, Michelle Rasmussen-Vermillion, Drew Neuharth-Britton, and Maggie Williamson of Garretson.
Boys Team
The boys race is Madison's to lose. Returning five of six runners from last years winning squad, Madison is poised to repeat. Last year's state runner- up Pine Ridge is back again with another quality team. Vermillion has gave Madison a push in previous meetings this season and CEB returns 4 of 6 from last years third place squad. Madison's depth should win.
Individual
With defending champion Eric Dehner in the field don't expect an upset here. Dehner has run very well this year and don't look for any one to beat him. TJ Sanderson of Chamberlain and Matt Nipe of Madison both look to give Dehner a push. Also, 8th-grader Patrick Grass of Pine Ridge could be a little bit of a dark horse. Not much has been seen of Grass this year but he is a tremendous talent that placed 8th as a 7th grader last years state meet.
